Cranford is Elizabeth Gaskell's gently comic picture of life and manners in an English country village during the 1830s. It describes the small adventures in the lives of two middle-aged sisters in reduced circumstances, Matilda and Deborah Jenkyns, who do their best to maintain their standards of propriety, decency, and kindness. At the center of the novel is Miss Matty, whose warm heart and tender ways compel affection and regard from everyone around her. Also revealed are the foibles and attributes of the pompous Mrs. Jamieson and her awesome butler, the genial Captain Brown, the loyal housemaid Martha, and others. Using an intimate, gossipy voice that never turns sentimental, Gaskell skillfully conveys the old-fashioned habits, subtle class distinctions, and genteel poverty of the townspeople. Cranford is one of the author's best-loved works.
David Carroll Livres






Focusing on Chattanooga's rich history, this book showcases notable figures who have visited the Tennessee Valley since 1900. It includes captivating photos and engaging stories about entertainers, athletes, and political leaders drawn to the city's scenic beauty and historic venues. Readers can explore significant dates and locations tied to their favorite celebrities, making it a nostalgic journey through time and a resource for trivia enthusiasts.
Albert Camus the Algerian
- 256pages
- 9 heures de lecture
This original reading of Albert Camus' novels, short stories, and political essays concentrates on Camus' conflicted relationship with his Algerian background and finds important critical insights into issues of justice, the effects of colonial oppression, and the deadly cycle of terrorism and counterterrorism that characterized the Algerian War and continues to surface in the devastation of postcolonial wars today. David Carroll emphasizes the Algerian dimensions of Camus' literary and philosophical texts and highlights his understanding of both the injustice of colonialism and the tragic nature of Algeria's struggle for independence. By refusing to accept that the sacrifice of innocent human lives can ever be justified, even in the pursuit of noble political goals, and by rejecting simple, ideological binaries (West vs. East, Christian vs. Muslim, "us" vs. "them," good vs. evil), Camus' work offers an alternative to the stark choices that characterized his troubled times and continue to define our own.
Ten Tales from Dumfries and Galloway
- 96pages
- 4 heures de lecture
Set in the picturesque region of Dumfries and Galloway, this collection features ten captivating stories that explore the rich tapestry of local life, history, and folklore. Each tale delves into the lives of diverse characters, revealing their struggles, triumphs, and connections to the landscape. The narratives blend elements of tradition and contemporary themes, offering readers a glimpse into the unique culture and spirit of this Scottish area. Perfect for those who appreciate storytelling that reflects both place and identity.
For a little ant, the world is so very big! Little Ant wants to visit his grandma and grandpa, but outside his house, the people are BIG, the puddles are DEEP, and the buildings are GIGANTIC. Mummy Ant knows he’s brave enough, but can he believe it himself? A heart-warming story about confidence and facing your fears, for everyone who’s ever felt a bit too small.
Dad's Army: The Home Guard 1940-1944
- 128pages
- 5 heures de lecture
Focusing on the formation and evolution of the Home Guard during World War II, the narrative delves into the experiences of the 1.5 million volunteers who answered the call to protect Britain from potential invasion. Through personal accounts, the author highlights the challenges faced, including inadequate training and equipment, and how the force transformed into a vital and cohesive unit. The book captures the spirit and dedication of its members, detailing their crucial role in the war effort from 1940 to 1944.
George Eliot and the Conflict of Interpretations
- 348pages
- 13 heures de lecture
The book examines the duality of George Eliot as both a radical thinker and a reclusive novelist, highlighting her profound influence on Victorian literature. It explores her response to the mid-nineteenth-century crisis of belief and value, revealing her acute awareness of the breakdown of traditional interpretations of the world. Through a chronological analysis of her novels, the study illustrates how Eliot challenged and redefined Victorian fiction, dismantling various myths and ideologies while celebrating communal values in a changing society.
The book presents a chronological analysis of George Eliot's novels, highlighting her dual identity as both a radical thinker and a reclusive novelist. It explores her response to the mid-nineteenth century's crisis of belief and value, emphasizing her acute awareness of the breakdown of traditional interpretations of the world. Through her fiction, Eliot redefined Victorian literature by challenging and deconstructing various myths and ideologies, ultimately reshaping the narrative landscape of her time.
French Literary Fascism
Nationalism, Anti-Semitism, and the Ideology of Culture
- 310pages
- 11 heures de lecture
The book offers a critical examination of the literary and aesthetic aspects of French fascism, exploring how art influences fascist ideology. It analyzes the works of key nationalist writers from the early 20th century and prominent fascist intellectuals from the 1930s, revealing the interplay between traditional and modern artistic concepts and their role in framing fascism as a political art form. David Carroll delves into the unique characteristics that define the French variant of fascism, contributing to a deeper understanding of its cultural implications.